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That's exactly what I've been thinking about.
I think it's pro for me. The new vocalsync would have to be an amazing product.

All the plugins that i get every year but no changes in them or the instruments.

How many more versions of dim pro do I really want.
I mean if all the plugins, Fx and instruments have real value then why am I buying them every year. It seems the only person who gets any value is the first time buyer.

Once we get piecemeal releases during the year then come 12 months when I pay my next annual fee am I going to get all the same plugins over and over. I mean really, they either have value or not. I can't see the value when I've got more versions of those plugins than I can poke a stick at.

Also with respect to add ons from 3Rd party companies, we got TH 2 Producer, I upgraded to the full version, now a couple of years later guess what TH2 full version is included. Shortly after getting Addictive drums 1 we were encouraged to upgrade to Addictive Drums 2 and now we get it free with he next Sonar release.

I'm seeing less and less value every year for what will soon be increasing costs.

Yeah, here's a list of the things that are variable between the 3 packages, ie removed all the stuff that you get with all three packages.
 
https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10906025_10152568529706034_3100468373639476139_n.jpg?oh=6d4cfdb6d9df86a25b6ace1c401dc9a5&oe=55390A59
 
So much in Plat. is from X3 Pro, and it being a great deal hinges in whether AD2 3 kits are of value.
 
I don't know what most users couldn't achieve with Vocal Sync, with other utilities, Audiosnap melodyne, except of course it does look more intuitive.
 
I wonder how many extra Platinum functions there will be in 6 months time, with just one in the pipeline that we know of. 
 
From experience I'd also predict that with a chunk of users on the fence in 6 months time, having not upgraded from x3, that Cakewalk would chuck out an offer to entice us in.

Something to consider is what's being released is only the starting point. Most likely drum replacement and other upcoming features may be only Platinum exclusives. So keep that in mind when making a decision.
Not trying to sway you one way or the other but there is a lot more coming over the new 12 months. Think of it as the equivalent of a full new release like X5 is still to come as part of your membership. So if you pick professional you will get the features planned only for that product. There is definitely high value in the platinum membership - not just dupes of what you own.

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Interesting question... 
 
I really value the improvements to  the core/program engine of Sonar and find that improvements to workflow / program features and pro channel.
 
If there also was a version of Sonar (Sonar Core) that would be great with the option of purchasing some of the exlusive content seperatley would be wonderful... The additional vsts (though nice) are really unrequired benefit.
 
Does the "professional" still give you all the dithering options?

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This is why I'm inclined to hold off for 6 months Noel. because I would rather get Platinum, I'd rather have all the options. If I do it then, I get all the features from now until then. But if after 6 months you just added Drum Replacer to the Platinum option, I'll struggle to find a reason to go with it. In that time you might introduce a feature that swings me upgrading, something that directly effects my music production. In that case maybe I can re-evaluate Platinum, maybe some other factors will make me go what the heck and just go the full hog. 
 
I like everything that has been introduced, it's just none are must haves at the moment.
 
I've seen lots of comments about how much it is a year. Before if you bought on every release it was yearly, even if you were late buying, and went for 6 months after release, it still averaged out as yearly. Now you can purchase every 18 months, and gain everything, and put up with showing some patience over new features that come out in the 6 month gap.

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mike_mccue
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I would rather pay for improvements in a tool that can be used by drummer that doesn't need drum replacement.
 
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Lots of modern styles integrate triggered samples in parallel with acoustic sets. It can be used for a lot more than just replacing a poor sounding performance.